Can I Add Electric Brakes To A 1984 Didgeridoo Pickup Bed Trailer?
Updated 02/18/2026 | Published 06/17/2024
Question:
Hi I have a 84 didgeridoo pickup bed Trailer, is it possible to put electric brakes on it? If so do you sell a kit to do this? Thank you Allen
asked by: Allen C
Expert Reply:
Hello Allen, it might be possible to add electric brakes to your 1984 didgeridoo pickup bed trailer. To do this you will need to have an axle with a brake mounting flange and a compatible spindle. You will need new hub/drums, brake assemblies, a 7-way trailer wiring harness, a breakaway kit and an electric trailer brake controller.
You will first need to determine the weight capacity of the axle so that you can select appropriately rated drums and brake assemblies. You will also need to verify that your axle has a brake mounting flange welded to the spindle.
From there you will need to determine both the inner and outer bearing sizes for your axle. This way we can be sure that compatible hubs are available. I will tell you that if the current axle is original to the truck, it is unlikely that it will use the same standard bearing sizes used for trailer hubs. In these cases, the axle will need to be replaced. We can definitely look into you options. If you can tell me the weight capacity of your axle, the number of bolt holes on the brake flange, and your bearing sizes I am happy to let you know what your options are.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Q&A: Will the Coleman-Mach Everest 18K BTU AC Work with the In-Command System on My Keystone?
- Q&A: How To Decide Between SumoSprings And Rebel Version Of Suspension Upgrades For Less Sag 2024 Ram
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits
- Q&A: Recommended Braking Hub w/ a 5 on 4-1/2 Lug Pattern and Brake Assemblies for a Lippert 3,500 lb Axle
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Q&A: What is a #84 Spindle and How Do I Know I Have One On My Trailer?
- Q&A: Can I Add Electric Brakes To A 2023 Aluma 7712H Trailer With A 3,500 lb Axle?
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: Electric Trailer Brakes: How They Work & What to Buy
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
Jesse M.
2/17/2026
Hey Allen, were you able to check the axle weight capacity and bearing sizes on your 1984 pickup bed trailer? Once you had those details, did you find a brake setup that matched? Your update could make it easier for others working on older trailer conversions.